Acai berries: general characteristics
Considered the most nutritious fruits of the Amazon, Acai berries are the fruit of a palm tree that lives in this part of the globe, mainly concentrated in the northern forests of Brazil. The scientific name of the plant is Euterpe oleracea and belongs to the Arecaceae family. The plant can grow up to reach up to 20-30 meters tall and has pinnate leaves that can also measure 2 meters, from which hang small fruits. The recognition of "the most nutritious fruit of the whole Amazon rain forest" was given to the only recently Acai Berry, following an ethnobotanical research leading to a finding properties and nutritional value.
Acai berries have come to Rio de Janeiro around the 70 -80. To bring them into the city were the Brazilians North transferred to Rio, who have spread the benefits and made it popular. Initially it was only used to treat digestive problems or skin diseases, but then the properties of the fruit, discovered by scientists who explored the studies on the Amazon rain forest, have been studied in depth up to grant him anti-inflammatory, anticancer, energy and many others benefits that affect the whole organism. The fruit is consumed for centuries by various Amazonian tribes and by Brazilian and generally grows in swampy areas. For the shape it is very similar to blueberries and tastes that comes close to chocolate, like so much to consumers.
Today the demand for acai berry has increased significantly, mainly because they have been made known the remarkable beneficial ownership and use has shifted in other fields such cosmetics. The South American palm "Acai", also known as the tree of life, has become so famous so as to become a real commercial business in no time. A particularly important to know regards its natural properties Acai: it was found that the properties of this fruit are only active for 24 hours after collection. So, berries Acai, to keep intact the properties, must be loaded into baskets and transported immediately after their harvest. At the collection points, this operation is done at night, so as to be on the following morning market.
Acai berries: properties
Acai berries have different properties, including:
Antioxidant: thanks to the presence of anthocyanins, the Acai berry fights free radicals and combat premature aging.
Anti-inflammatory: the high amount of sterols present in these berries, is ensured an effective anti-inflammatory action. Furthermore, Acai berries help to support the immune system and prevent allergic reactions. In addition to protecting the body from free radical attack, these berries also have anti-cancer properties. In fact, it seems that the polyphenols in Acai berries help to decrease the proliferation of cancer cells even up to 86%. In practice, the substances present in the Acai berries act eliminating the tumor cells before they spread further. Acai berries also have calming properties and help to regulate the level of stress. According to some studies, however, they are waiting to be explored, their consumption could also prevent the characteristic symptoms of menopause, and can also help improve sexual relations, acting with profound action on the blood vessels that lead to greater circulation of the genital organs , in particular for men. The digestive properties of Acai berries have instead the effect of combat constipation and effectively regulate the bowel.
Acai berries: benefits
The health benefits made from Acai berries are numerous. Among them there is the increase in energy, due to the concentration of vitamins contained in them; It promotes weight loss, as it would greatly reduces the sense of hunger and lets achieve a significant level of satiety, always due to the protein content. The benefits of Acai berries are a bit 'all over the body and also affect the immune system, thanks to antioxidants that help detoxify the body and strengthen the immune system against infections.
The muscle tissue benefits from Acai berries: in fact, these berries regenerate muscle tissue and strengthen the joints, thanks mainly to a component, glucosamine, a substance that helps maintain elastic cartilage and membranes that support the joints . The action of the acai berries also allows to reduce the cholesterol, thanks to the presence of fatty acids as omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9, that also have a beneficial effect on the circulatory system. Finally, the high intake of fiber promotes bowel regularity Acai stimulating the drainage of excess liquid.
Acai berries: nutritional values and calories
The acai berries are a real concentration of vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids and minerals. Here's what's inside:
- potassium;
- vegetable fibers for the proper functioning of the intestine;
- phosphorus;
- proteins;
- vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, E and C;
- Omega-9 fatty acids and Omega-6 that improve the appearance of hair, skin and strengthen the nails.
In 100 grams of pulp of Acai berries contains 47.5 calories.
Acai berries: all uses
The use of Acai berry is known not only in cooking but also in other fields. First of all, it knows the juice derived from the pressing of Acai berries, which can be drunk neat or diluted with other liquids such as mineral water or juices. As well as food, the acai berries are widely used even in cosmetics and beauty products. In fact, these berries an almost miraculous oil is extracted for the skin and there are many products that contain acai oil, considered important for the high concentration of antioxidants, useful to ward off the effects of free radicals. In addition, specific studies show that acai oil may be a viable alternative to some tropical oils used for packaging of beauty products such as balms, body lotions and many other products to improve the state of the skin and counteract aging.
Acai berries: contraindications and side effects
Based on the studies and experiments received to date on the consumption of Acai berries they have not shown particular contraindications or side effects. The berries have a mild stimulating effect, due to the presence of theobromine, a substance similar to caffeine that, if consumed in large daily amounts, may give rise to states of anxiety and insomnia. In any case, to avoid the risk of some negative event, it is advisable to consult your doctor before using supplements made from acai, especially if you are taking medication.
It 'still important to follow some precautions before consuming acai berries, for example do not eat them during pregnancy and during breastfeeding, avoid it takes on children and, in the presence of allergy to pollen or some berries , you may want to avoid the Acai juice. In addition, following the outbreaks of Chagas disease reported in 2006 in the Amazonian state of Para, which have been associated with consumption of the fruit of the Acai palm is recommended moderate consumption of the Acai berry juice, waiting for confirmation of its non-involvement. The fact remains that Acai berries are an excellent source of antioxidants, essential amino acids, vitamins, fiber and fatty acids.
